UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers (2011–2024)

Introduction

The UPSC Prelims is a tough and highly competitive exam that demands dedicated preparation, a well-planned strategy, and regular revision. Mastering the UPSC Prelims syllabus through smart practice of previous year questions (PYQs) is key. Analyzing past exam trends helps in understanding patterns and confidently approaching the test. Practicing UPSC Prelims online enhances accuracy, time management, and recognition of frequently repeated concepts.

Subject Wise Analysis

Subject 20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011
Ancient History 1 1 3 3 3 2 0 1 1 1 2 3 4 3
Art & Culture 8 7 10 5 5 7 5 7 4 15 9 6 6 1
Economy 13 16 14 21 21 21 20 18 17 16 16 14 14 17
Environment & Ecology 13 17 18 19 19 18 15 14 22 18 28 19 19 21
Indian Geography 4 8 6 6 6 5 4 5 4 8 8 5 4 7
Indian Polity 19 15 18 15 13 15 22 5 14 10 15 19 19 11
International Relations 6 11 2 3 4 7 7 11 10 1 0 0 0 5
Medieval History 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Modern History 3 3 9 6 13 7 6 7 6 8 5 6 11 9
Physical Geography 8 3 2 3 2 2 2 0 4 1 5 5 5 4
Science & Technology 11 9 13 13 15 12 10 13 10 12 10 16 12 15
Social Issues & Schemes 7 3 2 2 2 1 4 2 1 2 2 4 6 4
World Geography 8 4 2 2 1 0 2 0 2 3 3 1 1 3

Analysis:

Economy

  • Since 2011, the Economy section has covered around 15% of prelims each year.
  • Economy bags the second place with an average of 17 questions per year.
  • Prioritize static fundamentals + current affairs (Budget, Economic Survey).
  • Economy, with 204 questions in 12 years, remains a top-priority prep area.

Environment & Ecology

  • Environment & Ecology remains a dominant section in prelims due to Forest Service Prelims.
  • Environment & Ecology has the most number of average questions per year at around 19.
  • In 2014, 28 questions from the  Environment & Ecology section alone.

Polity

  • On average 15 questions of polity come each year.
  • In 2024, the highest number of questions came from the polity section which is 19.

Geography

  • Physical geography is making a comeback with 8 questions in 2024, the highest since 2011.
  • On Average 12 questions from Geography sections come each year.
  • Around 6 Questions come from Indian Geography every year.

Modern History

  • On average only 3 questions come from Modern history in the last 3 years.
  • In 2018, 13 questions came from Modern Indian History, the highest till now

Ancient & Medieval History

  • Ancient History has had low ROI in the past few years with 1 to 3 questions per year.
  • On average 2-3 questions come from medieval History

Art & Culture

  • In Art & Culture around 5 questions come each year.
  • In 2014, 15 Art & Culture questions came.
  • On Average 18 questions come from History and Art & Culture each year.

Science & Technology

  • Science & Technology remains an important subject with an average of 13 questions each year
  • In 2013, 16 questions came from the Science & Technology section with 11 questions in 2024

Difficulty Analysis of Prelims Across Years

Difficulty 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Easy 20 28 39 25 29 14 29 21 24 30 30 35 25 20
Hard 20 25 22 26 17 29 34 29 31 27 27 27 35 38
Medium 60 47 39 49 54 57 37 50 45 43 43 38 40 42

2024

ENGLISH

GS Prelims

Prelims 2024 Analysis

Emerging Trends

  • Top Subjects: Polity (19 Qs), Economy (13 Qs)
  • Notable Surges: World Geography (8 Qs), Social Schemes (7 Qs)
  • Recovery: Science & Tech bounced to 11 Qs (from 9 Qs in 2023)

Repeated Questions/themes in 2024

Examples:

2024 Question

Repeated PYQ

2024.jpg

[UPSC Prelims 2021]

2021.png
image.png

[UPSC Prelims 2022]

image.png
image.png

[UPSC Prelims 2020]

image.png
image.png

[UPSC Prelims 2018]

image.png
image.png

[UPSC Prelims 2023]

image.png

Action Plan

  • Prioritize High-Yield Subjects: Economy, Environment, Polity, Modern History.
  • Stay Updated Monthly: IR, Economy, Sci-Tech, and Environment (dynamic topics).
  • Analyze PYQ Trends Annually: Adapt for variable subjects (e.g., Art & Culture, World Geography).
  • Practice Smartly: Spot repeat topics, analyze patterns, and focus on the application.

SuperKalam's Smart PYQ Practice Tool

Boost your preparation with the SuperKalam's Smart PYQ Practice.

Features:

  • Attempt timed quizzes from last year's question paper.
  • Track performance across UPSC Prelims syllabus topics.
  • AI-powered analysis for Civil Service Exam Readiness.
     
Animated CTA Banner
Kickstart Smarter Prep → Practice PYQs Start Now

Conclusion

Practicing UPSC Prelims PYQs from 2011–2024 offers critical insights into exam trends, recurring topics, and question patterns. Consistent PYQ analysis sharpens accuracy, boosts confidence, and enhances time management. Focus on high-weightage subjects and adapt based on annual trends. Leverage SuperKalam’s Smart PYQ Practice Tool for targeted, efficient, and AI-driven UPSC Prelims preparation.

Share